Nant Peris church opens for summer visitors

St Peris Church in Nant Peris has reopened after a short closure for internal redecoration.

The work was supported by the Friends of St Peris Church, a small team of volunteers who raise funds throughout the year to help care for the church. A service was held at 11am on Sunday 14 June to mark the reopening.

St Peris Church stands in the village of Nant Peris, in the Llanberis Pass, beneath Yr Wyddfa and the surrounding mountains.

Founded by St Peris in the sixth century, it remains an active church and continues to welcome visitors, walkers and local people throughout the year.

The local priest, Revd Naomi Starkey, says, “St Peris has always had a close relationship with Yr Wyddfa and with the people who live here, walk here and visit throughout the year.”

The church contains 15th-century roof trusses and a rood screen of similar age. At the base of the rood screen is an 18th-century alms box, carved into the wood.

These features give visitors a glimpse of the church’s long history and its place in the Christian life of Nant Peris over many centuries.

Revd Naomi says, “We are pleased to have the church open again as the summer season begins, and we hope those who come through its doors will find a place of quiet, prayer and reflection.”

Near the churchyard is Ffynnon y Sant, the saint’s well, which was once believed to have healing properties.

Visitors watched for fish in the well, taking their appearance as a sign of good fortune. Some people also believed the water could help cure illness, either by bathing in it or drinking it.

St Peris has a close connection with the mountain landscape around it. Llanberis Mountain Rescue is based next door, and the churchyard includes memorials to people who lost their lives on the mountains above the village.

The church also hosts an annual service in memory of those who have died on the mountain.

Yes. St Peris Church is open daily and welcomes walkers, visitors and local people throughout the year.

Many people use the church informally as a place to pause, pray or reflect. From the churchyard there are views of Yr Wyddfa and Crib Goch.

Inside the church there is a prayer station where visitors can leave written prayer requests. These are included in Morning Prayer at St Peris every Wednesday at 9.30am.

Visitors can also support the ministry of the church by donating at the contactless giving point. Small gifts, including fridge magnets and key rings, are available to buy.

Revd Naomi says, “Every prayer request left in the church is remembered at Morning Prayer, and every donation helps us care for St Peris so it can continue to be a place of welcome for years to come.”

Visit St Peris Church for its mix of history, quiet and mountain scenery.

For walkers heading to or from Yr Wyddfa, it offers a peaceful place to pause. For visitors interested in Welsh history and Christian heritage, it offers medieval features, an ancient well and striking views towards Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales.